At Menan Butte

Man Verses Volcano

The Spitfire Ultra Trail Challenge in Menan Idaho takes place on a dormant volcano where on a clear day you can see the nearby cities and small towns of Eastern Idaho. Seated in the heart of the Snake River plain, the Menan Buttes are two of the world’s largest tuff cones – volcanoes formed when basaltic magma boils up through ground water. The Spitfire is run on the north butte which is designated as a National Natural Landmark (NNL), Research Natural Area (RNA) and an Area of Critical Concern (ACEC) because of its unique geological features. The designations allow you to enjoy the geologic beauty, in its healthy, natural condition.

In April Butt In Gear Trail Running invites the public to join us in our 11th Annual Spitfire Ultra Trail Challenge on the Menan Butte Trail. The Spitfire is designed to get the community involved in the spirit of fun and fitness. We encourage participants to play with us by having fun with the theme of the race Man verses Volcano, strap on their running shoes and create a memorable experience for the whole community as you Run Your ASH Off.

What makes this event stand out is our focus on a playful, memorable experience that lights a fire on the new year. We are setting the stage for each participant to express their interpretation of our theme and come out to play. Whether you are man, woman or child, this race will speak to your love for promoting fitness for all ages, shapes, and sizes.

Run Your Ash Off

The Spitfire Ultra Trail Challenge (Spitfire) was created as an invitation to challenge yourself in a geological setting that has everything from sand, volcanic rock, slick rock, sage brush and possible wildlife. You will be blown away by the variety of sights and surfaces in the small area of this dormant volcano as you traverse its west and east sides, run its rim and down through the heart of the volcano itself as you cross the caldera.

We invite you to Run Your Ash Off and battle the volcano for bragging rights, as you test your metal and forge your character as you take on the Spitfire Ultra Trail Challenge and take at the Menan Butte Trail on April 15, 2017. Runners can choose to run any of our four courses designed to appeal to the begginner and the most adventurous. Runners have their pick of the 5k,12K ,25K, or for the Crazy adventurous souls, our 50K.

Get Involved

Butt In Gear Trail Running is proud of the runs we organize, the volunteers who make it light work, and the sponsors who make it possible and give us the opportunity to reward our runners beyond the accomplishment of getting across the finish line for their months of training and coming out to support our events.

To create a memorable event takes fun and passionate volunteers who are willing to offer their assistance to make the Spitfire Ultra Challenge a success. There are several opportunities for interested volunteers, 16 and over, to help out before, during and after the race. See our Volunteer page for more information about how you or your group can volunteer.

Become a Sponsor

This is an amazing and unique marketing opportunity to reach into your market. Butt In Gear Trail Running uses a variety of methods to help each of our sponsors and partners reach their health and fitness markets and increase participant awareness of the products and services they provide. Our sponsors are a part of our community who promote healthy living as part of creating a thriving community. The Spitfire Ultra Trail Challenge at Menan Butte is our annual run to kick-off the trail running season. Sponsors can make a great first impression on runners getting ready to get their butt in gear for a new year. We have a sponsorship opportunity that will fit your marketing needs and budget.

Let people know you are here for them as friends and neighbors. Along with running neck and neck with them, participants will experience you, in our Village, by taking you home with their Swag, and a variety of communication channels as we promote this years race. See our Sponsor page for more information about how your business can get involved.

I have to say that this race offers breathtaking views of the Snake River and the Tetons. It was a beautiful, clear day which made it perfect to see such beauty on the rim of the volcano. This was definitely the most challenging trail run I have done, but the scenery made up for it. I was also pleasantly surprised as to how friendly and helpful everyone was. I have never met a more polite, personal, and fun team that puts on a race of this caliber. Thank you for the opportunity! I may have a few stiff muscles in the morning, but I wouldn’t want to earn them any other way! (Marianne 25k distance)